With police beating down women protesting outside the trial of Lubna Hussein — who faces 40 lashes for the “crime” of wearing pants — her brave campaign to overturn a misogynistic dress code law carries on.
In Foreign Policy, an anonymous writer offers some perspective to the crisis
The grassroots movement coalesced and grasped the opportunity. On Tuesday, more than 100 women appeared at the North Khartoum District Courthouse with hand-written signs reading “No more women’s rights violations!” and “Kill me, but don’t suppress me!” Gabralla, the human rights activist, stood proudly in the front row, facing scores of the much-feared policemen carrying batons and AK47s, with riot gear at the ready.
Inside the courtroom, the judge postponed the trial for a month, saying he wanted time to clarify Hussein’s immunity status. It would have been hard to imagine, given the global spotlight on this case, there being any other outcome from the hearing. Hussein and her acolytes have forced the Sudanese government to decide whether it wishes to flog a practicing Muslim widow in full view of the world.